I have to admit that I enjoyed several special treats over an extended Mother’s Day! It was a relatively quiet weekend for us, just staying close to home, but we packed in a lot of family fun. Here are the highlights:
Saturday morning we headed to our favorite nature center for a family hike. We FINALLY enjoyed beautiful spring weather with temps hitting the low 70’s. Every time we hike these trails the kids are able to hike farther and discover new things along the way. It’s fun to share in their excitement and wonder of nature.
Our view from the side of the lake and energetic hugs from my kids!
After enjoying the trails, we ventured back to the nature center to check out the animals (snake, turtles, rats) and relax in the rocking chairs. My kids decided to page through books they found on the coffee table. I gladly picked up a magazine and leafed through it as well. It was quite peaceful for about 10 whole minutes!
Post-hike: My little readers
We went home for some downtime and got ready for our family date night – the first time we had taken the kids to a Japanese restaurant, my favorite date night location. (I also write about my memories of being an intern at a Japanese company for one summer in this post and this one too.) Both kids loved the edamame. While they munched, I discussed the best roll options with Daddy O. – the Fujiyama roll, Happy Roll, something with Unagi (eel) and maybe a Philly Roll. Little brother chimed in, “Do they have a Tootsie Roll?” So adorable! “No, honey, not at this restaurant.”
I ordered the kids a Katsu-don (breaded chicken over a bowl of rice), and it went over pretty well. I was impressed with their willingness to try new things for the most part – (my four year old was a champ) and had fun feeding them a few more bites at the end of the meal with chopsticks. I can foresee a return trip to this place! YAY!
We walked down the strip mall (real high end dining, right?!) to a frozen yogurt place for dessert. This place was also a hit! I especially loved the futuristic seating and backdrop – perfect for my impromptu (and obligatory) mother’s day photo shoot.
How cute are we?! Isn’t this the best backdrop?
Sunday brought more delicious food – chocolate covered cannoli – at the Italian bakery and hot ham and rolls that we ate on our back porch. I was treated to more good things – being outside, gardening, playing, and taking a nap in the afternoon while watching The Little Mermaid.
On Monday I assumed it was business as usual, as both Daddy O. and I headed to work. I picked the kids up from school and was surprised by their beautiful presents (that were left at school over the weekend).
Mama O’s Mother’s Day Gifts
I love the cards, handprint flowers, painted pot, and the small jar of bath salts (not pictured here). It was really sweet – and kudos to their teachers for coming up with these projects!
As with any holiday, I try not to get too hung up on the actual day itself. I’m all about “extended celebrations” like my mother’s day weekend because there’s always something surprising or sweet that seems to happen each and every day with kids. They are my life’s greatest blessing. How honored I am to share this crazy beautiful life with them!
How was your Mother’s Day? Hope it was happy and full of great moments!
